Atomic Aquatics Cobalt Dive Computer

[RonR]

The Cobalt battery? I thought we were supposed to send the unit back to Atomic to remove/replace the battery.

The battery change is billed as a dealer performed (not necessarily factory) function, mostly because it requires that a large O-ring be lubricated and sealed, and a dab of sealant needs to be put on an overpressure valve. It's not much more difficult than sealing up a camera housing, but since it will need to be done very infrequently and the batteries need to come from Atomic (not off the shelf), Atomic is more confident having this done by a dealer used to servicing dive gear who can take responsibility for the servicing.

 

[RonR]

Evidence that at 48 pages and nearly 500 posts, this thread has become too long for folks to quickly find the info they're seeking.

And evidence that I need to get back to work on the FAQ section of the Atomic website...

 

[RonR]

Pardon a naive question from someone unfamiliar with the Cobalt, but I've been trying to research this unit and find it confusing that you have to enter the tank size and pressure. If, for example, I were using a AL 80, is it up to me to enter 77.4 CU/FT or would most people just enter 80? Sorry, but this confuses me. Why not just work with pressure? Is it trying to calculate my RMV? That would require an accurate volume entry. Thanks.

Entering tank volume allows the Cobalt to calculate SCF/M (or L/M) consumption, correct. The more accurate the tank volume figure is, the more accurate the value. Most people would just enter "80", which could overstate consumption by a bit more than 3%- which is probably insignificant. This figure is also used by the onboard simulator to do gas requirements planning for any planned dive profile. It's not necessary for just calculating the gas time remaining, though it does factor in at the beginning of every dive, before enough gas has been used to establish an accurate ∆P.

 

[Osric]

Evidence that at 48 pages and nearly 500 posts, this thread has become too long for folks to quickly find the info they're seeking.

Searching google with

site:scubaboard.com cobalt tank size and pressure

will take you to the right page.

Osric

 

[Osric]

I was able to get in touch with T. Haney, and we got his Cobalt back up and running. It apparently failed during the update at a point that required the battery to be removed in order to update successfully. So far we've only seen this on the Mac updater, and only twice to my knowledge. But if anyone ends up being totally unable to recover from a failed update/ power interruption during update on the Mac, it might be worth trying it on a Windows system if you have one available. Or PM me.

We need to take up a collection and send RonR a bonus. Ron, your heroics know no bounds.

Now, can you hurry up and get me the update that makes the alarm audible? It's my only showstopper problem... [edit: mostly joking!]

Osric

 

[DiveNav]

And evidence that I need to get back to work on the FAQ section of the Atomic website...

My offer still stand

 

[Downing]

We need to take up a collection and send RonR a bonus. Ron, your heroics know no bounds.

I'm holding out for a case!

 

[RickG65]

This will work even if the Cobalt has been previously killed by a failed upload attempt. If you have any problem with this PM me and I will help you work through it. Rest assured, there is nothing you can do in attempting to update the firmware that will actually damage the Cobalt.

Mac users can do almost the same thing, but they need to find the file inside the window that comes up when they click the "start update" button, and if they are starting with a "dead" Cobalt, they need to unplug and replug in the Cobalt USB adapter AFTER they both click the start update button AND locate the Cobalt_110_EndUser_4.hex file and select OPEN, i.e. after starting the update process.

Been on a film shoot for the last 3 weeks. Got home and found that the firmware was available, awesome. I am a Mac user so downloaded and followed the directions to the letter. Attached the DC as specified got the connected message and started the update.

Let me just say, took 5 tries to get this firmware updated. For you mac users, the USB connection is very particular, make sure if you brick your computer (no response ect) When you follow the recovery steps outlined both by Ron here and on Atomic's website, make sure that the blue barber pole stops and starts a few times. If it doesn't reseat your USB connector and restart from the top. On the 5th attempt the firmware updated and my date and time screen popped right up.

Few anxious moments as I have a dive trip out of the country planned in a week...

I am in the process now of downloading the latest version of MacDive.

Thank you Ron for all the help and patience you have shown us early adopters, I am very pleased with my computer outside of the no sleeve or carry case included in the purchase and the long delay in finally getting out the firmware.

Atomic is very lucky to have you supporting the dive community here on Scuba Board.

Regards,

RickG

 

[donhealy]

Rick,

My sentiments exactly regarding Ron. I have never met him personally but would like to give him a big hug and by him a couple rounds. By the way, it took me 4 tries to upload on my Mac. Like you, there were a few anxious moments hoping it wouldn't brick. I'll be in the Bahamas next week on the Turks and Caicos II with a backup computer in my BC but don't expect to have to refer to it.

Don

 

[RonR]

Gee, thanks everyone. I'm happy when the Cobalt does well.

I'm getting the sense that some might have had problems with perhaps salt or oil or something interfering with the quality of the USB connection for updating the firmware- and that Macs might be particularly fussy? Perhaps scrubbing off the pins with a brush or Q-tip, soap, or alcohol might be worth a try.